Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
Established in July 2011, this is a single point of access to services for adults (18+) with developmental disabilities. Adults with developmental disabilities must go through the DSO to access agencies that are funded by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Individuals can check their eligibility for the DSO at the age of 16 although adult services will not start until the age of 18. Individuals will require a psychological assessment to prove eligibility.
Humber College Community Partner
In an effort to improve secondary school to college transitions, the manager of Student Access, Student Success and Engagement from Humber College has invited local surrounding school boards to share information regarding self advocacy, accommodations and available postsecondary services to support exceptional students.
Kids Pathways Peel
Kids Pathways Peel provides service coordination for children and youth from birth-18 with special needs, living in Peel Region. Through a network of service providers, Kids Pathways Peelis able to offer a range of service coordination supports tailored to each family’s situation. The pathway team will answer questions and/or concerns, and provide timely support and guidance. Source: Kids Pathways Peel
Mentoring Program
This program is offered through Community Living Ontario for individuals with a developmental disability, who are 14-21 years old and are in school the guidance, skills and inspiration needed to achieve success in life after school. Experienced adult mentors, who often have a developmental disability, will work with families to provide student direct exposure to career shadowing, community and volunteer opportunities.
Ontario Disabilities Support Program
The Ontario Disabilities Support Program (ODSP) may provide income support and employment support to individuals with a disability. It is provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Geneva Centre
In partnership with Dufferin-Peel Special Education staff, the Geneva Centre provides professional development for board staff.
Psychology Autism Consultation Service (PACS)
PACS is a board-wide service consisting of three specially trained psychology staff members who are available, through school psychology staff referral, to consult on diagnostic and programming issues from a psychological perspective. The PACs team also provides the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment for difficult diagnostic issues as well as consultation on dual diagnosis in autism, specifically for students with autism and concurrent mental health difficulties.
Kerry’s Place Autism Services is committed to enhancing the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, through innovative personalized supports, expertise, collaboration and advocacy.
Connections for Students is a joint initiative from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to support seamless transitions from the Autism Intervention Program (AIP) to school. The Board has developed a multidisciplinary team including ASD Teachers, Child and Youth Workers, Speech-Language Pathology and Psychology staff with ABA expertise. The team is called the Dufferin-Peel ABA Facilitators: Connections for Students. The team works with school based transition teams, including parents, to plan for the students’ transition, beginning six months prior to and for six months after discharge (once the student is in school full-time). The team supports schools in their efforts to fulfill the expectations set out in PPM 140 and Connections for Students.
Collaborations:
Community Care Access Centres: CCAC is a government funded health program with several regional centers that serve our Board. CCAC co-ordinates health and personal support services to students with a disability or health problem. CCAC also provides school support services including OT, PT, Speech Therapy, including assessment, intervention, training and teaching, various health equipment and medical support, Referrals may be made by the individual requiring support, their family, doctor, community agency or school. With respect to students and transition, the student is assigned to a case manager based on the school they attend. Managers share events and new programs, encourage attendance at transition sessions, links with appropriate community services, and provide long-term care referral if necessary.
Community Living provides support to individuals who have an intellectual disability to ensure that their life in the community is meaningful and supported.
ErinoakKids provides a comprehensive range of clinical services and family support services to children and youth with multiple disabilities and/or complex disorders living in Halton, Peel and in some cases Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin counties.
Mental Health Supports Collaborative work within Peel and Dufferin (Ministry of Child and Youth Services, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice) includes: Peel Children and Youth Initiatives, Archbishop Romero, Student Support Leadership, Liaison with the Centre for Excellence/Children’s Mental Health and the Dufferin Coalition for Kids (DuCK).
Dufferin-Peel, as part of its overall commitment to Catholic Communities, Culture and Caring, works to ensure that all students are welcomed and supported in community. Through a variety of initiatives, Dufferin-Peel endeavours to support students, through Gospel Values. The Open Minds, Healthy Minds resource provides an opportunity for reflective and inclusive practice. Source: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Catholic Education Centre School/Section 23 Programs:Additional Information
Peel Behavioural Services is a community service, including a team of behaviour therapists that support students and their families to develop appropriate behavioural skills that apply to school and home.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Peel/DP Advisory Council oversees a host of in-school mentoring projects supported by school social workers and teachers: Go Girls; Teen Mentoring; Conversation Club (for newcomers).
Region of Peel approved agencies funded by the MCSS provide employment supports for students with diagnosed disabilities, aged sixteen and beyond, to participate in pre-employment workshops with skill development and goal setting components who are provided opportunities to network with service support agencies and prospective employers.